National Month: Giant Jalur Gemilang Costing RM2,600 In High Demand

KOTA BHARU, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- The spirit of National Day celebrated on Aug 31 still lingers, with the Jalur Gemilang continuing to fly proudly across the nation throughout National Month until Malaysia Day, which will be celebrated on Sept 16 in Penang.

For flag supplier The Sports House, the National Month is eagerly awaited each year as it receives orders for Jalur Gemilang flags, including giant-sized ones that sell like hot cakes.

The company’s manager, Siti Zaleha Yakub said orders had been coming in since June, with the 20x40-foot Jalur Gemilang, nearly the size of a three-storey building and priced at RM2,600 each, among the most in demand.

“Orders increase three months before National Day and by mid-August alone, more than 100 giant Jalur Gemilang flags had been sold. We also received special orders for even larger flags.  

“There were also customers who ordered Jalur Gemilang worth tens of thousands of ringgit depending on size and fabric, with a single giant flag weighing up to five kilogrammes,” she told Bernama.

The company, located on Jalan Gajah Mati here, once received an order for a 50x200-foot Jalur Gemilang that was displayed during the National Day parade at Dataran Merdeka several years ago.

Siti Zaleha said the flags are produced by local factories using selected fabrics such as polyester, microfibre and mashiro, some of which are imported to ensure they withstand heat and rain.

“Microfibre fabric lasts longer and does not fade easily, but it is more expensive than mashiro. Whatever the case, quality is a priority because customers want the Jalur Gemilang to be used over a long period,” she said.

Siti Zaleha added that The Sports House, which has been operating since 1992, not only sells the Jalur Gemilang and state flags, but also offers flags of other countries in various sizes, from as small as 2x4 feet priced at RM3.50 to giant sizes, in addition to sports equipment.

The company also supplies decorative stripes, buntings and stickers, which are popular choices among schools, petrol stations and non-governmental organisations throughout the National Month.

“We have two branches, in Kota Bharu and Kuala Lumpur, with seven staff members including the general manager. Every August, customers remember this shop because Jalur Gemilang stock is always available,” she said.

With the growing number of orders each year, Siti Zaleha hopes the trend of flying giant Jalur Gemilang flags will not only enliven the National Month celebrations but also strengthen the patriotic spirit among the people.

-- BERNAMA